Looking ahead, IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi is expected to play a key role in research, student-faculty exchange, and joint academic programs, further enhancing its position as a global education hub in the Middle East
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi’s international campus in Abu Dhabi has seen an impressive 400% increase in student enrollment within just one year of its inception, underscoring the growing global demand for quality STEM education. From a modest batch of 20 students in its first year, the campus has now welcomed 80 students in its second academic year.
This sharp rise reflects the rising interest in disciplines like Artificial Intelligence, energy, and sustainability. The programs are offered in academic collaboration with Khalifa University and the Mohamed Bin Zayed University for Artificial Intelligence, helping to build a strong foundation in future-centric fields.
Notably, the campus has seen a significant increase in local participation, with around 13 Emirati students enrolling in the bachelor’s program and about 17 in the master’s program. Students from several countries have also shown keen interest, making the Abu Dhabi campus a hub for international academic exchange.
The establishment of the IIT Delhi Abu Dhabi campus is more than just an academic expansion—it represents a milestone in the strengthening of Indo-UAE relations. Launched in January 2024, the campus was inaugurated in the presence of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, marking the first international branch of an IIT in the UAE. It aligns with the UAE’s vision of becoming a leader in education, technology, and sustainability.
According to an official statement by IIT Delhi, the institution is dedicated to supporting the UAE’s national goals and sustainability initiatives through its academic offerings. The initiative is a testament to the strong collaboration between the Indian and Emirati governments, providing new educational opportunities for students from India, the UAE, and beyond.